Los Padres National Forest officials today announced that Saturday, September 29, has been designated as a “Fee Free Day” for visitors to the forest.

In all areas of the forest where an Adventure Pass is normally required, the fee will be waived in celebration of National Public Lands Day, which is held each year on the last Saturday in September.

An Adventure Pass is typically required for day use activities and camping at many recreational facilities in the Forest. This weekend’s “Fee Free Day” applies to all Adventure Pass areas except the Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area, where the fee remains in effect. Other fees such as reservation fees and group site fees will also still apply. Forest visitors who unknowingly validate a daily Adventure Pass on “Fee Free Day” can have the pass replaced free of charge at most Forest Service offices.

“This is an ideal opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the natural wonders of our public lands,” said Los Padres National Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez. “This gives visitors the chance to see what their national forest has to offer free of charge.”

National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Last year, 170,000 volunteers assisted with projects at over 2,000 locations across the country. This year, Los Padres welcomes volunteer assistance at a clean up project in Santa Paula Canyon on the Ojai District. Members of the public interested in participating should meet at the Ojai Ranger Station at 8:30 am. A community work day is also planned for the Cold Spring Trail in Santa Barbara. Volunteers should meet at the trailhead at 8:30 am.

For more information on current conditions and how you can get involved, call the office nearest you.